Shoot Wisely the Creators Podcast with Amir Ebrahimi - TopPodcast.com

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Shoot Wisely the Creators Podcast with Amir Ebrahimi — Music
Shoot Wisely the Creators Podcast with Amir Ebrahimi

Shoot Wisely podcast host Amir Ebrahimi has over 20 years of experience in production and has traveled the world as a documentarian covering a wide range of projects including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, social issues for the health ministry of Ethiopia, extensive global and national coverage of the NBA on and off the court, and documenting Cambodian orphanages to name a few. Host Amir Ebrahimi talks to guests about their process of creation and the road that led them to create for a living. The Shoot Wisely Podcast will have a heavy focus on photographers and videographers/DP’s but will be open to inspiring creators such as artists, writers, designers, editors, etc. The main aim of the show is to talk to creates about their journey and process of creating to inspire people to create and shoot wisely. The show will have a very loose format but will touch on the who, what, where, and why. With a small portion of the conversation dedicated to the tools each creator utilizes. Thank you and please leave a review and share.

Latest Episodes:

14 - Samantha Jacob, Wedding and Life style photographer Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 14 — Samantha Jacobs Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer.

In Episode 14 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with wedding and lifestyle photographer Samantha Jacobs to talk about taking a leap of faith — leaving her small hometown in Kansas and moving to Las Vegas to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time photographer.

Samantha shares what it felt like to step away from familiarity and comfort in order to chase something bigger. We discuss the uncertainty of starting over in a new city, building a client base from scratch, and the emotional resilience required to bet on yourself creatively.

From navigating the competitive wedding industry in Las Vegas to refining her voice as a lifestyle photographer, Samantha breaks down how courage, consistency, and community helped her turn risk into opportunity.

This episode is about reinvention, independence, and trusting your instincts when the safe path no longer feels aligned.

In This Episode

Leaving a small town in Kansas for Las Vegas
Taking a leap of faith to pursue photography full-time
Building a wedding photography business from the ground up
Navigating competition in a destination wedding market
Finding your voice in lifestyle photography
The mindset required to start over in a new city

About the Guest

Samantha Jacobs is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Las Vegas. Her work blends emotional storytelling with modern elegance, capturing intimate moments while building a career rooted in courage and commitment.

If you'd like, I can also:

Make this more emotionally driven
Add stronger Las Vegas SEO elements
Create episode title variations (e.g., “From Kansas to the Strip”)
Write social captions to promote the episode

13 - Mathew Stuko, Sports Producer and building a personal brand. Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 13 — Mathew Stucko, Emmy-winning producer.

In Episode 13 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with Emmy-winning producer Mathew Stucko to break down the mindset of determination and what it really takes to run a podcast at a high level.

Mathew shares lessons from his career in television production and how those experiences shaped the way he approaches storytelling, structure, and consistency in his own show. We discuss the discipline required to build momentum, the behind-the-scenes realities most audiences never see, and why long-term commitment matters more than short bursts of inspiration.

This episode is about resilience, process, and building something that lasts — whether in broadcast television or independent podcasting.

In This Episode

The mindset behind sustained success
Winning an Emmy and what it really represents
Translating television production skills into podcasting
The discipline of consistency
Behind-the-scenes realities of running a show
Why determination beats motivation

About the Guest

Mathew Stucko is an Emmy-winning producer and podcast host known for his commitment to high-quality storytelling and consistent execution. His career spans television and digital media, where he has built projects rooted in preparation, perseverance, and craft.

12 - Reilly Balcom, The mindset of a new age creator Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 12 — Reilly Balcom

In Episode 12 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with up-and-coming creator Reilly Balcom to talk about building momentum in the early stages of a creative career.

We discuss what it means to develop your voice in a crowded digital landscape, the pressure of comparison, and the discipline required to stay consistent when the results aren’t immediate. Reilly shares insights into how he approaches content creation, how he balances experimentation with intention, and the mindset needed to grow without losing authenticity.

This episode is about the grind before the spotlight — navigating uncertainty, building skills in public, and trusting the long game.

In This Episode

Finding your voice as a young creator
Building consistency in the early stages
Navigating comparison and online pressure
Experimentation vs. intentional branding
Staying authentic while growing an audience
Lessons learned from starting from scratch

About the Guest

Reilly Balcom is an emerging creator building his platform through consistency, experimentation, and a commitment to refining his craft. As part of a new generation of digital storytellers, he represents the evolving landscape of modern media.

11 - Amir Ebrahimi, The reality of hosting and producing a Podcast Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 11 — Shoot Wisely Host Amir Ebrahimi

In Episode 11 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I step out from behind the questions and into the guest seat to reflect on the journey of building and running the podcast.

This episode is a candid look at the rewards and challenges of creating something consistently — from booking guests and preparing conversations to navigating technical hiccups and the pressure to keep evolving. I share what I’ve learned about listening, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with giving people space to share their experiences.

We talk about the unseen work behind each episode, the moments of doubt, and the unexpected rewards that come from meaningful conversations. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a podcast — and why it’s worth it.

In This Episode

Why I started the Shoot Wisely podcast
The biggest challenges of running a podcast
Booking guests and building trust
The technical and creative learning curve
The rewards of meaningful conversation
Lessons learned from the first season
Where the podcast is headed next

About the Host

The Shoot Wisely host is a photographer and storyteller dedicated to documenting culture, craft, and the people behind the work. Through honest conversation and thoughtful storytelling, the podcast explores the mindset, discipline, and humanity behind creative lives.

10 - Thanasis Petrakis, Behind the lens of a UFC/NBA Videographer Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 10 — Thanasis Petrakis, UFC/NBA Videographer

In Episode 10 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with videographer Thanasis Petrakis to talk about capturing some of the most iconic moments in modern sports history.

Thanasis shares what it was like being behind the lens during the explosive clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship — one of the most intense nights the sport has ever seen. We discuss the pressure of filming in high-stakes environments where chaos can erupt at any second, and the responsibility of documenting history as it unfolds in real time.

We also dive into classic NBA moments he’s captured, including Kevin Durant’s legendary run at Rucker Park in New York City — a cultural proving ground for basketball greatness. From courtside access to off-court storytelling, Thanasis breaks down how he anticipates moments before they happen and positions himself to preserve them forever.

This episode is about timing, instinct, and the art of staying ready when history decides to show up.

In This Episode

Filming the Khabib vs. McGregor showdown
Working inside the UFC at peak intensity
Capturing Kevin Durant’s Rucker Park run
NBA moments on and off the court
Anticipation and positioning as a videographer
The pressure of documenting live, unscripted history
Balancing artistry with speed in sports media

About the Guest

Thanasis Petrakis is a sports videographer known for capturing defining moments in both MMA and professional basketball. His work blends cinematic storytelling with documentary precision, preserving high-stakes competition and cultural milestones as they happen.

09 - Adam Berstein, Legendary NBA photographer of 30+ years Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 09 — Andrew D. Bernstein

In Episode 09 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with legendary NBA photographer Andrew D. Bernstein to talk about a career spent documenting basketball history from courtside.

We discuss his close friendship and working relationship with Kobe Bryant and the process of creating the book The Mamba Mentality — a project built on years of trust, access, and shared vision. Andy reflects on capturing Kobe’s mindset, discipline, and evolution both on and off the court.

We also dive into photographing Michael Jordan throughout his career, and what it was like watching those moments resurface in The Last Dance. From witnessing historic championships to defining cultural moments, Andy shares what it means to document greatness in real time.

The conversation also explores his technical innovation — including introducing strobes and flash photography into live NBA action — a move that reshaped the visual language of professional basketball photography.

This episode is about proximity to greatness, technical mastery, and earning trust at the highest level of sport.

In This Episode

Building a trusted relationship with Kobe Bryant
The making of The Mamba Mentality
Photographing Michael Jordan’s career
Watching history replayed in The Last Dance
Introducing flash/strobe photography to live NBA games
Capturing iconic moments from courtside
The responsibility of documenting legends

About the Guest

Andrew D. Bernstein is a pioneering NBA photographer whose career spans decades of basketball history. Known for his innovation in lighting and unparalleled access to the game’s biggest stars, his images have helped define how the world sees professional basketball.

08 - Tony Menias, Leaving the Medical field to be a full time Photographer Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 08 — Tony Mendias Street/Travel Photographer

In Episode 08 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with photographer Tony Mendias to talk about his decision to leave the medical field and pursue a career in photography — a leap that eventually took him traveling the world in pursuit of his passion.

Tony shares what it was like walking away from a stable, respected profession to follow a creative calling. We discuss the financial uncertainty, the pressure of family expectations, and the internal doubts that come with stepping off a conventional path. As he committed fully to photography, travel became both a proving ground and a classroom — shaping his eye, perspective, and confidence.

This episode is an honest look at reinvention — the risk of starting over, the courage required to trust your instincts, and the reality that creative careers are often built on sacrifice before they are built on success.

In This Episode

Leaving a career in medicine to pursue photography
Traveling the world in pursuit of creative growth
Navigating financial instability
Managing family and cultural expectations
The psychological shift from security to uncertainty
Betting on yourself creatively

About the Guest

Tony Mendias is a photographer who transitioned from the medical profession to build a career rooted in creativity and visual storytelling. Through global travel and personal risk-taking, he reshaped his life around purpose, craft, and exploration.

07 - Khary Mason, Homicide Detective turned Photographer. Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 07 — Khary Mason, retired Homicide Detective turned Photographer.

In Episode 07 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with retired homicide detective Khary Mason to discuss how photography and writing became tools for processing more than 20 years on the force.

After decades of investigating violent crime, Khary found himself carrying the weight of the stories, scenes, and human consequences he witnessed. In this conversation, he shares how picking up a camera — and putting words to paper — helped him unpack trauma, reflect on service, and reconnect with his own humanity.

We explore the emotional toll of working in homicide, the transition from law enforcement to civilian life, and how creative expression can serve as both therapy and testimony. This episode is an honest discussion about accountability, healing, and the role of art in confronting difficult truths.

In This Episode

Life after 20+ years as a homicide detective
The emotional weight of investigating violent crime
Turning to photography as a form of processing and healing
Writing as reflection and release
Transitioning from law enforcement to civilian identity
The power of creative practice in unpacking trauma

About the Guest

Khary Mason is a retired homicide detective who now uses photography and writing as tools for reflection and healing. His work explores memory, accountability, and the human cost of violence, offering a rare perspective shaped by decades on the front lines of criminal investigation.

06 - Jake Ricker, Golden Gate Bridge Street Film Photographer Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 06 — Jake Ricker (Documenting the Golden Gate Bridge on film)

In Episode 06 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with photographer Jake Ricker to discuss his multi-year project documenting the Golden Gate Bridge entirely on film — and the book that emerged from it.

Jake shares what drew him to photograph one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and why he chose to approach it with patience, repetition, and analog discipline. We talk about the challenges of committing to a long-term project, the realities of shooting film in changing light and weather conditions, and how the bridge became a study of mood, atmosphere, and time.

The conversation also explores the process of turning years of work into a cohesive book — editing, sequencing, and honoring the emotional throughline of the project.

This episode is about dedication, restraint, and the power of returning to the same subject again and again until it reveals something deeper.

In This Episode

The origin of the Golden Gate Bridge project
Why he chose to shoot the entire series on film
Working through changing light, fog, and weather
The discipline of long-term photographic projects
Editing and sequencing for a book
Lessons learned from photographing a single subject over years

About the Guest

Jake Ricker is a photographer known for his thoughtful, film-based practice and long-form projects. His work reflects patience, technical precision, and a deep commitment to craft, culminating in a book centered on the Golden Gate Bridge.

05 - John S Couch, Author of (The Art of Creative Rebellion) Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Episode 05 — John S. Couch (The Art of Creative Rebellion)

In Episode 05 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with writer and former Apple creative executive John S. Couch to discuss his book The Art of Creative Rebellion.

We explore the ideas behind creative rebellion — what it means to challenge convention, rethink systems, and build cultures that empower imagination rather than suppress it. John shares insights from his years at Apple, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and innovation, and why rebellion isn’t about disruption for its own sake — it’s about purposeful change.

The conversation dives into education, corporate culture, and the responsibility creatives have to push beyond comfort and conformity. This episode is a thoughtful examination of creativity as both an act of courage and a catalyst for transformation.

In This Episode

The core message of The Art of Creative Rebellion
What “creative rebellion” really means
Lessons from leadership and innovation
The intersection of education and creativity
Challenging outdated systems
Why courage is essential for creative growth

About the Guest

John S. Couch is an author, speaker, and former Apple executive known for championing creativity in education and business. Through his writing and leadership work, he advocates for environments where innovation, curiosity, and bold thinking can thrive.

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